News: Japan says it will shoot down N. Korea rocket over territory

If Japan has an operational ABM system, why is North Korea our problem? I still think us removing our troops from the region is the best solution to reducing tension. By getting the superpower out, the Koreans maybe can start acting rationally.

 

And there are people who would argue the opposite. The thinking is that the US presence keeps Japan in check - or at least that's China's rationale for not making noise, and likewise, the US's nominal presence in South Korea keeps North Korea from getting too edgy.

Not that I expect you to agree with this take, but this is something that quite a bit of East Asia observers argue, that the US is a key player in keeping the region stable.

 

I'm not sure if North Korea can do much more than simply intimidate its neighbors.

What I *would* be worried about is the reaction from China, who would not be happy about a militarily aggressive Japan.

Off topic: I think US presence in Japan is essential for maintaining peace with China - it's close enough without getting too close.

 

It made sense during the Cold War. It makes no sense today. China has no blue water navy, Japan does. All US troops do in the region is cause China and Russia to puff out their chests, and North Korea to act crazy so we will give them things.

And to top it all off, the Koreans and Japanese do not want us there.

We are not supposed to be an Empire. Time to leave.

 

I understand that rationality isn't their strong point in international diplomacy, but how exactly might China or NK have any reasonable right to call Japan's use of a purely defensive anti-missile system in their own territory in response to intentional NK intimidation tactics an "act of aggression"?

 

I say move all the Japan bases to Taiwan and see how China reacts

 

So when you look at it, all out troops there is act to further destabilise the situation. We need to extricate ourselves from this. No more Danegeld. No more idle threats. Our continued connection there makes no sense. All we should be giving is a notice that any attack on the US will be met by disproportionate force but otherwise allow the Koreans to work out their problems themselves.

 

The Japanese pay the overwhelming share of the costs for US Forces in Japan and I suspect Korea does the same.

Leaving Japan would only lead to a growth in defence spending in Japan that will only piss both the north and the Chinese off.

Besides, North Korea isn't a rationale state.The last time the US pulled out from the Far East, it helped spark the Korean War.

 

Exactly; no more empire. Please bring the troops home, cut defense spending and spend more on infrastructure.

 

American presence in Korea is the very definition of nominal, both in the number of boots on the ground and in cost.

Presence in Japan is more substantial, but it's one that keeps the region stable. The cost of not being in Japan, through an agitated China, and by extension, conflicts in South China Sea that would extend deep into Southeast Asia, would be more expensive to taxpayers.

Plus, infrastructure spending is not dependent on bringing troops home. It needs a Congress that doesn't see the government doing stuff as anathema.

 

Without breaking out my world map and figuring out the fuel capacities of various fighter jets, wouldn't Australia be too far from China to have the desired effect?

I don't disagree here. The current financial meltdown aside, NATO should be able to keep the peace in Europe.

 

I get you now - I misread your post.

 

Japan now says that instead of shooting it down, they elected to pull a Nelson and just point and laugh.

 

As should we all